The Passage of Time

Seiya's exhaustion was difficult to shake.

But at the very least, there was one person who remained outside all the schemes and politics—someone he could rely on.

He could keep pretending to be strong and composed elsewhere.

But here, in Isane's arms, he finally let down his guard.

So much so that…

He fell asleep.

By the time he woke, it was already early evening.

Unohana had returned, leading to the usual exchange of pleasantries.

Yet, despite her usual serene demeanor, the former thousand-year-old slaughter demon apparently harbored a mischievous side.

Playing the role of a senior figure, she teased them relentlessly.

"Oh my, how bold~"

"Ah, youth is such a wonderful thing~"

She kept at it until Isane looked ready to burst into tears—only then did she finally let Seiya leave.

Damn it.

This woman is dangerous!

That being said—

It was all in good fun.

Feeling both grateful and slightly overwhelmed, Seiya stepped outside the Fourth Division barracks.

He hadn't even completely exited when a voice called from behind.

"Wait a moment, Seiya!"

He turned around.

Standing at the entrance, Unohana Retsu looked at him with a calm, gentle smile.

"Seiya, I must apologize for earlier."

"No, no, it was just a joke. I really don't mind at all…"

Though honestly—

"You should probably say that to Isane instead. She'd appreciate it more."

Unohana chuckled softly and merely shook her head.

"That child is much stronger than you think, Seiya. You should have more faith in her resilience."

Really?

It seemed that Isane had grown more than he realized.

That was good.

Seiya nodded, ready to reply—

But before he could, Unohana continued.

"Also, Seiya, there's something I'd like to ask of you."

Unohana… asking him for a favor?

"Please, just say the word!"

Maybe he was overreacting, but considering her status and history, her request carried a heavy sense of importance.

She was from the same era as Yamamoto—what could she possibly want from him?

Seeing his nervousness, Unohana simply smiled knowingly.

"It's nothing too serious… I just wanted to say—"

"If you have time, please visit Fourth Division more often."

"Isane is a good child. I hope you'll continue to maintain your connection with her."

…

Huh?

Seiya blinked.

Wait a minute…

Was she playing matchmaker?!

"What's wrong, Seiya? You're not willing?"

"H-Huh? No, it's just… unexpected."

"So that means you agree? Wonderful. I'm sure Isane will be happy to hear it. You know, when you were sentenced by Central 46, she was very worried about you."

"Really? That's… that's…"

Should he say thank you?

For some reason, he found himself at a loss for words.

Ah…

So this was what it meant to be tongue-tied.

Seeing Seiya awkwardly scratching his cheek, Unohana's smile became even more amused.

"Not long ago, I simply saw you as a promising newcomer with a bright future."

"But now… you've already risen to the top of the Gotei 13."

"It's truly remarkable. People like me can't help but feel… humbled."

No, no, no, please, you're being too modest.

The same woman who fought Kiganjō for days until his body literally gave out?

Seiya was not on her level.

"You're exaggerating. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

"That humility of yours is yet another weapon, Seiya. It's quite charming—makes me even more excited to see how you'll grow."

Unohana folded her hands before her, her serene expression never wavering.

"After all, there are many types of strength."

"Skill, technique, ideology, conviction."

"No matter the name, they are all refined essences of true power."

And so…

"I'm looking forward to it, you know."

"That ability of yours—to perceive the past, present, and future."

"If possible, I'd like to experience it firsthand."

A chill ran down Seiya's spine.

Despite her gentle tone, there was an undeniable intensity in her words.

Like a seedling with boundless potential, she had seen through his true nature—

And she was simply waiting for it to grow into a towering tree.

Unohana tilted her head slightly, her Buddha-like smile unwavering.

But her whispering voice sent shivers down Seiya's back.

"Perhaps the time when I can truly face you in battle… is not so far away."

…

Huh?

Wait, wait, wait—

Did she just say… she wants to fight me?!

No way.

Absolutely not.

Seiya was not about to fight Unohana.

He was nowhere near ready for that kind of nightmare!

Had she always been this sharp?

Or was he just unlucky enough to attract her attention?

Sweating profusely, he hurriedly took his leave.

As he stepped away, Unohana called out once more—

"Seiya! One last thing."

Stopping in his tracks, he turned back.

She raised her right hand, waving at him gently.

"I was preoccupied with other matters and couldn't attend your ceremony."

"But even if it's a bit late…"

"Congratulations."

"On becoming Captain of the Fifth Division."

…

She stopped him just for that?

Seiya stood frozen.

For a long moment, he didn't move.

Then—

With genuine sincerity, he lowered his head in a deep bow.

No unnecessary words.

No extra comments.

Just a simple, heartfelt gesture of gratitude.

Thank you.

Seriously—thank you.

Back at the Fifth Division Barracks

Returning to his quarters, Seiya sat in quiet contemplation.

The Hollowfication incident had finally come to an end.

As for the future…

Other than Ichigo's birth, there weren't any major events left until the Thousand-Year Blood War.

"So the next few decades are basically a void, huh?"

In terms of Soul Society politics, things would remain relatively stable.

That meant…

He had a long stretch of time to focus solely on growth.

No doubt—

He couldn't afford to waste it.

He needed to use this buffer period wisely—

To sharpen his power until he could not only participate in the war—

But become a force that could shape its outcome.

Though…

He chuckled to himself.

"I'm already a Captain, huh?"

Seiya glanced at the full moon outside his window, then let out a quiet laugh.

Having a sense of urgency was good—

But sometimes, it was important to pause and reflect.

"Alright, step by step."

"Like climbing a mountain, no need to rush. As long as each step is solid, that's what matters most."

For now—

Seiya's gaze fell upon his Zanpakutō.

He would start by mastering his own strength.

Seasons Passed

As the years flowed like sand through fingers, time continued its silent march forward.

No matter how much one tried to grasp it, it always slipped away.

"Time flies, huh."

Hearing his Captain's sudden remark, Gin turned his head slightly.

"What, are you feeling sentimental?"

"Nah, just thinking about the past. It's been so many years… it's hard not to reflect."

Indeed.

Sitting here casually chatting with Gin in the office…

"It's been, what… forty years?"

"You mean the time when a certain someone nearly got himself killed using an ability he didn't understand?"

Seiya twitched.

"Oof. You make it sound so bad."

Gin smirked, resting his elbow on the table as he gave Seiya an amused glance.

"It's not my fault if the truth sounds bad, Captain."

Seiya sighed.

"Come on, that was forty years ago. Let it go already."

Despite the decades that had passed, Seiya's appearance hadn't changed much.

Though, if one looked closely—

There was a certain refinement to him now, a subtle sharpness that wasn't present before.

If anything had changed, it was that he had grown more composed—

More polished.

He exhaled lightly, shaking his head.

"If it were me, I would've forgotten it by now."

His tone was playful, carrying a carefree air reminiscent of Kyoraku Shunsui.

Gin chuckled.

"Oh, I'd bet on that, Captain. But see, some things just stick with you."

Gin had changed too.

Though his overall appearance remained the same, his aura had shifted.

The once cold, unreadable tension in his presence had significantly faded.

Perhaps because of Seiya's influence, or maybe something else—

Gin had become…

More relaxed.

Less of a coiled viper, more of a lurking shadow with a smirk.

Seiya gave him an assessing look.

"You know, Gin, you've changed quite a bit over the years."

"That so?"

"Yeah. You feel… lighter. Brighter, even."

Gin only shrugged, flashing his usual fox-like grin.

"Well, Captain, appearances are part of the job, after all."

"Still faking it, huh?"

"You'd be surprised how much people fall for a smile."

Despite the banter, Seiya could tell—

Gin was more at ease now than he had been decades ago.

Seiya leaned back in his chair.

"Man, it really has been forty years, huh."

Gin narrowed his eyes slightly.

"You always were the type to ignore time. Didn't even show up for the Shin'ō Academy welcoming ceremony yesterday."

Seiya groaned.

"That wasn't on purpose."

"Oh? Wasn't it because you were too busy drinking with Captain Kyoraku?"

"It was a necessary social engagement, Gin."

"And spending the night with two famous courtesans—was that part of the plan too?"

"…Wait, were you spying on me?"

"Being a lieutenant means keeping an eye on the captain, doesn't it?"

"You're using that excuse wrong, Gin."

Seiya sighed.

These kinds of pointless arguments had become routine over the years.

Even within the Fifth Division, it was common knowledge that the captain and lieutenant had a unique dynamic.

Gin stretched lazily before flipping through the last of the documents on his desk.

"So, last night's drinking—was it really just for fun?"

Seiya hesitated.

Then, with a weary sigh, he answered—

"No. I needed to talk to Kyoraku about something important."

Gin's expression sharpened ever so slightly.

"The noble brat?"

Seiya exhaled.

"Yeah. The stubborn noble brat."

There weren't many people in the Seireitei that could fit that description.

But right now, there was only one who mattered.

Kuchiki Byakuya.

Just as in the original timeline—

He had met Hisana while on an assignment.

And—

It had been love at first sight.

Seiya had known this moment was coming.

Years ago, he had considered intervening—

But strangely enough, no matter how much he searched, he had never been able to find Hisana.

Yet, the moment Byakuya stepped outside, he had somehow immediately stumbled upon her.

Fate was terrifying.

And now, things had reached a boiling point.

Kuchiki Ginrei had firmly rejected the possibility of marriage.

And since both grandfather and grandson were equally stubborn, the situation had reached a complete stalemate.

To make matters worse—

This wasn't just a noble affair anymore.

Rumors had already spread through the entire Gotei 13.

Even regular soldiers were gossiping about Byakuya's forbidden romance.

Seiya had approached Kyoraku for one reason—

"So… did he agree?"

Seiya nodded.

"He said he'd come with me to visit the Kuchiki estate later today."

Despite his longstanding ties to the Kuchiki family, Seiya knew—

This was a delicate situation.

There were too many watching eyes.

If he wanted to help Byakuya, he had to do it properly—

Without creating more problems.

And Kyoraku, being a noble himself, provided the perfect cover.

Gin hummed.

"Tch. Stubborn noblemen."

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Powerstones?

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